Welsh Government given go-ahead to intervene in Supreme Court ‘Brexit’ Appeal

The Counsel General for Wales has been granted permission to intervene in the UK Government’s Article 50 ‘Brexit’ appeal to the Supreme Court.

Friday 18 November 2016

The UK Government is appealing against a High Court judgment that UK Ministers do not have the power to give notice under Article 50 for the UK to withdraw from the European Union using the Crown Prerogative.

On 4th November 2016, the Counsel General for Wales, Mick Antoniw AM announced his intention to apply for permission to intervene in the appeal.

Mr. Antoniw said:

“I very much welcome the Supreme Court’s decision to grant the Welsh Government permission to intervene in the appeal.

“This case raises issues of profound importance not only in relation to the concept of Parliamentary Sovereignty but also in relation to the wider constitutional arrangements of the United Kingdom and the legal framework for devolution.

“This case is not about whether the UK leaves the EU or not. The people have voted for the UK to leave the EU, and the UK will leave. The sole legal question at issue is whether the UK Government can, as a matter of constitutional law, use the Prerogative powers to give notice of withdrawal from the European Union.

“In the Supreme Court, the Welsh Government will seek to reinforce the importance of Parliamentary Sovereignty and the rule of law: core, established principles of British constitutional law.”